Bollywood pays heartfelt tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam

For some, it was his child-like demeanour which made him affable and for some, it was his inspirational vision and work in the field of science which made A.P.J. Abdul Kalam a "universally-loved" Bharat Ratna, who managed to be in politics without being a "politician".

Bollywood celebrities paid heartfelt tributes to the former president, who suddenly passed away on Monday evening in Shillong.

Several names from the Hindi film industry took to Twitter to remember their moments with Kalam, and to bid their 'aakhri salaam'.

Shah Rukh Khan: So sad to hear about the Gurdaspur terror attack & now the news of Dr. Kalam's demise. May Allah bring peace upon all.

Salman Khan: Never had the opportunity to meet Kalam saab but always loved and respected him. As scientist and as president, Kalam saab was a true inspiration for many generations of Indians. When your heart says you should meet someone, don't delay. I always wanted to meet Kalam saab and I should have made the effort. My loss. I will miss Kalam saab. India will miss him.

Priyanka Chopra: "They say Good & Great are seldom in the same man. Dr Kalam was the epitome of both. A big loss for India. May his beautiful soul Rest in Peace."

A.R. Rahman: Dr. Kalam, when you became the president, you gave the word 'hope' a new meaning for Indians... Today, we have lost a great leader who inspired our young minds to feel that we live in the greatest nation on the Earth and that each one of them can achieve great things... May the creator lead you to heaven.